Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata Tortoise

Tommy our Sulcata African Spurred Tortoise native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. They are the third largest tortiose species in the world and the largest on the mainland.

They excavate burrows in the ground to get to higher moisture levels. They spend the hottest part of the day and the night there. Tommy chose to burrow under the children's playhouse.

Adults get up to 36 inches in size and weigh up to 200 lbs. They live for 50 to 150 years old. Tommy is 17 years old and weighs about 100 lbs.

They are herbivores primarily on grasses and plants higher in fiber low in protein.

They mate September to November. Sixty days after mating the female will roam looking for a place tho nest. She will dig 4 to 5 nest before choosing with one she wants to use. She digs the nest 2 feet in diameter and 6 inches deep. Once the nest is chosen she lays eggs every 3 minutes and will lay 15 to 30 or more eggs. Incubation temp should be 86 to 88 degrees and takes 90 to 120 days to hatch.